Best Way to Dispose of Old Computing Devices

Organizations tend to put older IT equipment in a closet or storeroom when updated or deemed no longer relevant. Old PCs, servers, printers, and mobile devices form an IT cemetery, similar to the section of your garage or attic where you store items that are too precious to discard. Most of these businesses recognize that obsolete IT assets contain important data and should not be discarded. They do not, however, have a formal process in place to decommission and dispose of this equipment.

• Comply with your environmental standards

Companies are increasingly compelled to demonstrate adherence to green standards and environmental sustainability in specific industries and geographical locations. Having ecologically friendly rules for disposing of outdated computing equipment is one approach to demonstrate compliance. You are also contributing to company sustainability compliance by doing so.

• IT equipment should be de-installed and cataloged

IT disposal frequently necessitates a certification procedure – in other words, when firms get rid of obsolete IT equipment, it's critical to account for each piece of equipment removed, as well as the removal procedure.

As a result, cataloging the equipment to be disposed of is critical to ensuring that no equipment is left outside of an approved data destruction program. De-installation must be done safely and securely to ensure that activities are not disrupted accidentally. Companies should carefully remove all permissions and credentials as part of a safe de-installation.

• Delete all files and programs

Cloud services that sync with your computer are becoming widely used. Syncing devices with multiple services, such as Dropbox and OneDrive, is common. While enrolled in these types of cloud services, deleting your computer's hard drive may result in files being removed from the cloud as well.

Before wiping a device clean, make sure you log out of any cloud services, including browsers.

This involves signing out of your Wi-Fi network and deleting any saved Wi-Fi passwords on your device.

The next step is to erase everything from your computer. Files, directories, and apps are all types of files. And to empty the recycle bin without fail.

On systems with that option, you can execute a factory reset to delete anything you've added since the computer was first purchased. It's crucial to remember, though, that your data is still on the hard disc. Once this initial deletion has been completed, there is one more critical step to complete to erase any recoverable data traces.

• Remove the hard drive

If you're recycling a laptop or desktop and don't want to use data shredding software, physically removing the hard drive is the safest approach to ensure your data isn't accessible.

An old hard drive can be inserted into an external caddy. This will turn it into a USB hard drive, which you can use to store and access data in the same way that you would with a standard external hard disc.

You can even shatter the old hard disc to make it unrecoverable. It'll take a few gratifying smashes with a hammer to break the 'platters' that contain the data.

E-waste is a major issue, and your firm should take precautions to avoid adding to it. It is simply not possible to dispose of technology equipment in regular garbage facilities.

Instead, discover and work with a disposal facility that can ensure that your spent IT equipment is processed in a way that is both environmentally friendly and does not put your company out of line with regulations.

• Documenting and Certification

Finally, when it comes to disposing of your technology assets, make sure you document everything properly. This matters because your stakeholders – and regulators – may probably require that you establish that you have responsibly disposed of your technology assets.

It may be worthwhile to seek official certification from a reputable organization. In other words, contact a Teceze partner who can certify your IT disposal process so you may have solid proof if any problems arise.

Organizations tend to put older IT equipment in a closet or storeroom when it is updated or deemed no longer relevant. Old PCs, servers, printers, and mobile devices form an IT cemetery, similar to the section of your garage or attic where you store items that are too precious to discard.